Southern San Juan
SnowpackChris Bilbrey · Dec 2, 2019 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Mild, sunny day with a few high passing clouds later in the afternoon.
Snowpack
This portion of the South San Juan zone received around 3 feet of snow and 5 inches of snow water equivalent during the last half of November. We found a stiff slab over facets and depth hoar at the ground on northwest to north through northeast-facing slopes. This weak layer was stubborn in stability test and we observed only a couple moderate collapses. Recent natural activity on those same slopes confirms a weak basal structure exists. These slopes appear to be waiting for the right force to tip the scale - this could be a rider or a future loading event. Variability in distribution of old, weak facts makes knowing which slopes are prime to avalanche difficult. Slopes void of weak snow at the ground have a generally stronger snowpack.